Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 106: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the number of sites for the Thornton Hall Prison project proposed or submitted to the Irish Prison Service in response to the advertisement of February 2004, after the evaluation process began; the persons who submitted those sites; and the dates on which the submissions were received by the Irish Prison Service. [15418/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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The advertisement placed in February 2004 seeking expressions of interest in relation to sites for a new prison development, sought submissions by February 23rd. The Prison Service received submissions concerning six sites subsequent to that date, as shown in the table below.

I should mention that the Office of Public Works also received proposals regarding potential sites which they brought to the attention of the Selection Committee as appropriate. The last such proposal was received from a Mr Rutledge in a letter dated 10 January 2005 and brought to the attention of the Committee on 18 January 2005.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 107: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if his attention has been drawn to an exchange regarding a possible conflict of interest regarding an agent and advisor to the expert committee as reflected in the minutes of the meeting of the Public Accounts Committee held on 26 October 2006; if he will confirm the specific steps that were taken by the parties concerned or other parties after the matter was raised; if all of the parties involved were made aware that a person (details supplied) who acted in the role of advisor to the vendor of Thornton Hall, has a family connection to the vendor, and to the agent in question who acted as negotiator on behalf of the State and that this person accompanied the vendor to meetings during which the sale of Thornton Hall was negotiated, with the agent also present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15419/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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When the individual who acted in an advisory capacity to the Site Selection Committee became aware that the vendor of Thornton was a brother in law of a second cousin, he immediately advised the Office of Public Works and the Irish Prison Service of that relationship and the individuals concerned. The Site Selection Committee were advised fully of the matter at their next meeting on 18 January 2005 and decided that the connection was so remote that it would not prejudice his continued involvement. This is recorded in the minutes of the 7th meeting of the Committee which were published on the Department's website on 3 February 2005. I am not in a position to inform the House on what steps were taken by the vendor or parties associated with the vendor.

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 108: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the methodology used to assess and evaluate the archaeology of the Thornton Hall site prior to its purchase and what was identified; the measures recommended; and the measures that will be taken. [15420/07]

Aengus Ó Snodaigh (Dublin South Central, Sinn Fein)
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Question 109: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the methodology used to assess and evaluate the flora and fauna of the Thornton Hall site prior to its purchase; the species that were identified; the measures recommended; and the measures that will be taken. [15421/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 108 and 109 together.

The surveys undertaken prior to the acquisition of the site included physical inspection by staff of the Irish Prison Service and the adviser retained by OPW; aerial photographs; an engineering, planning and technical survey and a desktop check was made for listed sites and monuments.

These preliminary examinations in relation to both archaeology and flora and fauna on the site were carried out on behalf of the site selection committee prior to the purchase of the site. These indicated no apparent significant issues under either heading. The planning procedure for the proposed prison development will, when it commences, provide full details of comprehensive studies and analyses of the site's flora and fauna and archaeological features (including the methodologies employed) as well as the measures required, if any, to address any issues arising as a result of the development.

I am glad to inform the Deputy that, in accordance with assurances I have previously given the House, there are no recorded national monuments on the site. In addition, the comprehensive surveys undertaken to date have not revealed any archaeological/flora and fauna impediments to the proposed development.